D-51 narrows down superintendent search

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO/KJCT)-- School District 51 is getting closer to picking its next superintendent.

The school board will now turn to the community for input on who the next leader should be.

The district on Thursday announced the decision between four candidates.

Ken Haptonstall is the superintendent for District 16 in Garfield County. Phil Onofrio is the chief operating officer for School District 51. Carrie Stephenson is the executive director of schools in the Douglas County School District in Castle Rock. John Williams is a private attorney and serves as the D-51 school board president.

On April 10 and 11, the D-51 school board will have a team of community members, including students, parents, staff and local leaders come together to interview the candidates.

According to a document on the district's website, whoever gets the job will start with a base salary of $175,000 to $210,000 with performance incentives and competitive benefits package.

The school board hopes to make the final decision by May 1.

The newly selected leader will replace outgoing Superintendent Steve Schultz, who is retiring on June 30, who has served in the roll since 2009.

For more information about the search, just click the link to the right.